Inspiration and resources for balance before burnout

Posts Tagged ‘stop teacher burnout’

Bringing The Outside In

Monday, April 9th, 2012

  Sometimes when we are craving nature, we are not able to get out of doors for a walk or hike.  What can we do to fulfill this need?  Why not bring the outside in?  Here are 6 ways.

 

1. Cut Flowers

This needn't cost a lot.  A cut boquet from a grocery store or from a field of wildflowers can suffice.

2.  The Grass Is Always Greener

Primary grade teachers know how easy this is.  Fill a pretty container with potting soil, cover with grass seed, and water.  You can have the best lawn in the neighborhood right in your classroom or office.

3.  Sand Gardens

You have probably seen the zen gardens with white beach sand to "play" in.  Add some pretty stones, shells or a mini rake for your very own sandbox.

4.  Bird Calls

CD's of bird songs, bubbling brooks, or crashing waves are another way to bring the outside in.  There are now several apps that you can even download on an ipod, ipad or phone.

5.  Water Fountains

The sound of water is soothing and a desk fountain can help alleviate dryness of school airconditioning or heat.

6. Outdoor Trophies

Momentos from a day outside or a great vacation can remind you of the pleasures of nature.  A pretty stone, piece of driftwood, cut branches or even pine cones, can be enough to muster up memories of a different season.

 

 



5 Ways to Enjoy A Brisk Walk

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Walking briskly at least 3 times a week is a great way to release the chemicals helpful for stress relief, while also building your health and well-being.  No matter what time of the year, or what type of climate you live in here are 5 ways to enjoy a brisk walk.

1.  Trailblazing

Look for a local trail or walking path to hike out of doors.  Bring water and snacks and be sure to protect yourself from the elements with bug spray and sun block.

2.  Climb your way to the top

Weather bad or don't have time to go somewhere to get your walk in?   Bring your sneakers to school and do your walk in the building.  Stairs can add a great challenge and inside the school you are safe from the weather and whatever else may be lurking outside.

3.  City Sidewalks

If you don't live near a trail or are looking for a change of scenery, walking through a city can be just as invigorating.  The Freedom Trail in Boston, for example, offers a great adventure in history and culture, while offering great opportunities for people watching.  The city has it's own nature sightings, so keep your eyes open.  You'll be surprised where it pops up.

4.  Sandy Toes

If you are lucky enough to live near the ocean or another body of water, try a bare foot walk in the sand.  Getting are feet wet and sandy can help us to feel grounded.

5.  Getting Caught in the Rain

Go back to your childhood.  Throw on a rain coat or poncho and enjoy the peacefulness of a rainy stroll.  Puddle jumping is optional.



Williamstown here I come!

Monday, August 9th, 2010


Tomorrow morning I make the pilgrimage with many other Massachusetts teachers to WiIlliamstown, MA  for my second year at The Massachusetts Teachers Association Summer conference 2010 being held at Williams College.

 

I am excited to be presenting Balance Before Burnout:  Make a plan to beat stress which is the course that explains the basics in regards to teacher stress and the Balance Reserves that are truly the backbone of The Whole Teacher.

 

After attending last year I am looking forward to meeting more fellow educators that amaze me with their professionalism and passion.  I loved connecting with people from across the state.  I am also looking forward to the quality workshops which I know I will give me nuggets of information to help me start the school year off strong.  I also am anxious to walk around the perfectly "New England" town of WIlliamstown and poke my head into the variety of shops, theaters, and museums (of few of which are free).

 

But most of all I am looking forward to a piece of quiet alone in my dorm room where I will have some free time to continue working on some exciting changes coming to The Whole Teacher.  I have a big vision for The Whole Teacher and the pieces are definitely coming together.  I promise that when I return I will be sharing some more details on what's to come and what it means for you.

 

I will be blogging from the conference so keep an eye out tomorrow and see what tips I have picked up throughout the day.  Who knows?  Maybe I'll even film the next video edition of The Whole Teacher TV from the WIlliams College Campus.  Until then … adios.

 


 



5 ways to build Balance Reserves into your daily life

Monday, January 11th, 2010

1.  Choose your top 5 Balance Reserve Areas from the 12 given in the January newsletter and schedule a different activity to build up one of them each day.
 
2.  Choose a single Balance Reserve Area for the month and schedule activities throughout the month the build that area into your plans.
 
3.  Chooses a Balance Reserve Area to focus on for the week and brainstorm several activities from different energy levels (high/low or relaxing/energizing) and schedule low and a high energy activities into each day at the appropriate time of the day (Morning: high energy, Evening: low energy).
 
4.  Using the list from the January newsletter, plan an activity for a different Balance Reserve Area into each day of the week. (Monday: Peace & Quiet, Tuesday: Nature, Wednesday: Adventure, Thursday: Self-care, etc.)
 
5.  Host a Target Balance Reserve Area Party with a group of friends or colleagues and choose a single Balance Reserve Area and plan activities together that fit this theme.
 
How are you fitting your Balance Reserves into your busy schedule?



 

 

 
 


The Whole Teacher Daily Planner & Workbook is here!

Monday, December 28th, 2009

I am so thrilled to announce the arrival of The Whole Teacher Daily Planner & Workbook!

 

I have had  a vision of a tool to help teachers build balance  and into their daily lives and it has finally come true.  It is a culmination of the best tools I have been using with teachers to help them beat teacher stress and puts it all into one neat package. 

 

Check out the video I created below, and don’t hesitate to let me know what you think. Please feel free to share with all the teachers you know. 

The planner itself is on sale at http://wholeteacher.com/store.  Check it out!



 
 


7 resolutions for healthier eating to manage teacher stress

Thursday, November 12th, 2009





A man may be a pessimistic determinist before lunch and an optimistic believer in the will's freedom after it.  ~Aldous Huxley


How true!  What you eat and when you eat it can have a tremendous effect on how you feel and how you are able to manage stress.  As teachers our time that we can eat is often dictated by our schedule, but that should not stop you from putting some very simple steps into place to maintain energy and patience throughout the school day.

Here are some simple tips you can put into place in order to eat healthier and feel better offered by friend and Registered Dietitian,  Nicole Cormier, RD, LDN:

 

1.  Have less than 12 grams of added sugar per day.

 

2. Drink more than 64 oz. of water per day.

 

3. Eat more than 5 full cups of vegetables and fruits per day.

 

4.  Eat a lean protein at most of your meals.

 

5.  Move at least 30 minutes per day.

 

6.  Keep a food journal.

 

7.  Portion out your proteins at least once a week.

 

For more information about these "Resolutions"  and some great workshops offered by Nicole please check out her site at www.deliciouslivingnutrition.com

 



Look to your students for the humor!

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

There are many ways our students help us to keep our passion.  Their passion and perserveranceare often what keep us working on inspiring them to be excited about their learning.  The following website is an example of how they often do this with humor.

 

The answers to the questions on essays, tests, and quizes may not always be correct, but they are quite often humorous!

 

Check out http://www.adprima.com/humor.htm for some histerical student responses. 

I am sure many of you could add to the list. 

What’s your funniest student story or response? 



Go out with a sense of humor!

Friday, October 9th, 2009

Above all else: go out with a sense of humor.  It is needed armor.  Joy in one’s heart and some laughter on one’s lips is a sign that the person down deep has a pretty good grasp of life. – Hugh Sidney

 

In  October’s Whole Teacher Tidbots I suggested you spend more time with people who lift your spirits.  One of the characteristics that is often associated  with burnout is negative talk.

 

We all know someone who is challenging to be around because they are constantly complaining about how bad things are.  Sometimes it feels as though they could suck the life out of the room.  There is a very fine line between venting and just out right complaining.

 

Complaining can become a bad habit and seems to breed more negativity, as we seek proof to validate how bad we says thing are.  Remember we spoke of 100% responsibility in the last blog?  Complainers play a very real part in creating their own reality.

 

Next time you’re met with a difficult or frustrating situation, instead of complaining, try putting on your "suit of armor".  Finding humor in a situation will quickly shift your energy, and often improve the outcome.  It will also attract others who are looking for the positive.

 

Be the change you are looking for!